Brasília, 9/26/2003 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - Yesterday vice president José Alencar finally signed into law the controversial "temporary measure" (Medida Provisória) which authorizes farmers to plant genetically modified (GM) soybeans. Alencar avoided signing the measure for a number of days, barely hiding his discomfort on having to decide on an issue that had split the government. Alencar moved very cautiously, consulting various organizations interested in the problem.
In practical terms the measure limits the planting of GM soybeans to the state of Rio Grande do Sul by prohibiting their use in other areas of the country. A series of restrictions are placed on GM crops under the terms of the measure. The authorization, for example, is only for this harvest (2003/2004). And farmers will have to sign contracts specifying the use of GM seeds.
Environmentalists were deeply disappointed when Alencar decided to sign the measure. They had insisted on further environmental impact studies.
A CONTROVERSIAL MATTER THAT SPLIT THE ADMINISTRATION
Alencar spent the whole day in meetings. He met with minister of Environment, Marina Silva, who opposed GM crops. He also met with minister of Agriculture, Roberto Rodrigues, who is in favor of them. Rodrigues pointed out that a decision against the GM crops would be detrimental to farmers in Rio Grande do Sul who had stockpiles of GM seeds.
The vice president also met with deputy Fernando Gabeira (PV-RJ) and a state deputy, Frei Sérgio (PT-RS), who tried to get him to refuse to sign the measure. Gabeira said they disagreed with Alencar's decision to sign the measure, but remained on friendly terms. "We hope to make up for this defeat at some time in the future," said Gabeira.
Alencar also received a report against signing the measure from the National Environment Council (Conama).
But, when all was said and done, the vice president did what he had to do. He followed orders from president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and authorized the planting of genetically modified soybean seeds. (AB)
